Pope Condemns Gaza War’s ‘Barbarity’ Amid Devastating Reports of 73 Lives Lost While Waiting for Food

Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He condemned the violence and the tragic loss of life, with reports indicating that at least 73 Palestinians have died while waiting for food aid. Most of these casualties occurred in northern Gaza, where many were targeted by Israeli fire near the Zikim crossing.

The director of al-Shifa hospital reported receiving many casualties that morning, but he couldn’t confirm who was responsible for the deaths. The Israeli military claimed they acted in self-defense, stating that large gatherings of people can pose threats. However, they acknowledged that the casualty numbers reported from Gaza seemed higher than their findings.

Recently, evacuation orders were issued for central Gaza, alarming many, as this area has seen less military action. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing, but the need is urgent. Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, highlighting feelings of distress over the recent strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which resulted in three fatalities and ten injured, including a parish priest.

In a critical statement, he urged the international community to prioritize humanitarian law and protect civilians, voicing the need to prevent collective punishment.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, described dire conditions, stating many civilians, especially children, are suffering from severe food shortages. They have stockpiled food aid for over three months but struggle to deliver it due to restrictions. Babies are dying from malnutrition, and the situation grows more desperate as Israel restricts their operations, accusing the agency of links to Hamas. However, an independent review found no solid proof to these allegations.

As of mid-July, reports indicated that nearly 900 people had died while trying to obtain food, illustrating the extreme risks civilians face daily. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has intensified its operations, dropping leaflets urging displaced families in areas of Deir al-Balah to evacuate. This creates additional fears among families with hostages, as some are believed to be held in those regions.

This recent escalation began with a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and captured many hostages. Since then, the Gaza health ministry notes that more than 58,000 Palestinians have died as a result of ongoing Israeli attacks.

The ongoing conflict reflects a profound humanitarian crisis, and as the situation continues to unfold, the call for peace and compassion resonates louder than ever. For more information on humanitarian efforts and the conditions in Gaza, visit UNRWA’s website here.

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